Stories by Angel Idowu
How Chicago Artists are Coping with the New Coronavirus Economy
| Angel Idowu
Some businesses deemed essential are staying open as Gov. J.B. Pritzker orders residents across the state to stay home and help prevent spread of the novel coronavirus. But how are mom-and-pop operations weathering the storm?
All Chicago Public Libraries and Parks to Close Saturday
| Patty Wetli
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the closure of the city’s public libraries and parks as of 5 p.m. Saturday.
Dispatches from the Block: How Chicagoans Are Coping with COVID-19
| Erica Gunderson
As we close out the first week of COVID-19 isolation efforts, Chicagoans are finding themselves with suddenly upended lives. How are you adapting to the “new normal”?
Gov. Pritzker Issues Stay-at-Home Order through April 7 as COVID-19 Cases Climb
| Kristen Thometz
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered Illinois residents to stay home as the number of novel coronavirus cases in the state climbed to 585 on Friday.
Kim Foxx’s Office Won’t Prosecute Low-Level Drug Offenses During COVID-19 Pandemic
| Matt Masterson
“Everyone deserves to be protected, especially during these uncertain times, and we are obligated to ensure all members of our community feel safe, including those behind bars,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
‘Chicago, We Need to Love Each Other With All Our Hearts’: Lightfoot
| Patty Wetli
Mayor Lori Lightfoot this week called on Chicagoans to remain connected even while practicing social distance.
US Attorney Tabs Prosecutor to Tackle Cases of COVID-19 Fraud
| Matt Masterson
The newly established COVID-19 fraud coordinator will work with law enforcement to spearhead investigations and prosecutions of anyone attempting to “take advantage of people during this time of crisis.”
Illinois Health Officials Project 3,400 COVID-19 Cases by End of Next Week
| Kristen Thometz
If trends continue, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois could reach 3,400 by next Friday, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
‘Quarantine Shaming’: US Navigates Radical New Social Norms
| Associated Press
“Quarantine shaming” — calling out those not abiding by social distancing rules — is part of a new and startling reality for Americans who must navigate a world of rapidly evolving social norms in the age of COVID-19.
Republican Jeanne Ives on Facing Sean Casten, Coronavirus Pandemic
| Nick Blumberg
First-term congressman Sean Casten was unopposed in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for Illinois’ 6th District, but in the general election he’ll face outspoken competition from Republican candidate Jeanne Ives.
Underwood Reflects on Primary Win, Looks to November Challenge
| Blair Paddock
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood is competing in one of Illinois’ most watched congressional races this fall. She joins “Chicago Tonight” in discussion.
How the Coronavirus is Changing the US Census
| Amanda Vinicky
For everyone cooped up and quarantined, the government – make that, all governments, from the federal down to your city or town – has an assignment for you: fill out your census questionnaire.
Street Medicine: Treating Chicago’s Homeless During the Coronavirus Outbreak
| Evan Garcia
For many homeless people in Chicago, staying safely sheltered and isolated during the coronavirus outbreak simply isn’t an option. How one nonprofit is helping people in need.
COVID-19 Pandemic a Massive Challenge to American Economy
| Paul Caine
Facing what could be the biggest challenge to the American economy since the Great Depression of the 1930s, Congress is now urgently trying put together a relief package to keep U.S. households afloat.
Lightfoot: CPS Schools to Remain Closed Until Mid-April Due to Spread of COVID-19
| Matt Masterson
Chicago’s public schools were set to reopen by the end of the month, but students will instead remain out of class until April 21, according to Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Oak Park Prepares for Near Total Lockdown
| Paris Schutz
While the state of Illinois has enacted a partial shutdown for restaurants and bars and nixed big public gatherings, one local community has taken it a step further.
COVID-19 in Illinois: 3 More Dead, Cases Soar to 422
| Kristen Thometz
Three more people have died from the novel coronavirus in Illinois, where the number of people who have tested positive for the illness now stands at 422 across 22 counties, state officials said Thursday.
$10 Toilet Paper? Coronavirus Gouging Complaints Surge in US
| Associated Press
Across a country where lines are long, some shelves are empty and patience is thin, authorities are receiving a surge of reports about merchants trying to cash in on the coronavirus crisis with outrageous prices, phony cures and other scams.
10 More Things to Do (at Home) This Weekend
| Kristen Thometz
Adventurous penguins, art exhibits, live concerts, and plenty of podcasts – you don’t have to go out (and risk getting sick) to have a fun-filled weekend. Here are 10 things you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Chicagoans Create Relief Fund for Artists in Financial Need
| Angel Idowu
Cancellations and closings are affecting everyone, but they present a unique challenge for freelance artists, whose livelihoods are already dependent on an uncertain stream of income. Now, a group of local artists is stepping in to help.
Lightfoot Orders All Sick Residents to Stay Home to Prevent COVID-19 Spread
| Kristen Thometz
For weeks, people have been told to stay home if they are sick. Now, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health are issuing a public health order making that a requirement.
AP-NORC Poll: Fear of Virus Infection Spikes Among Americans
| Associated Press
Concern among Americans that they or a loved one will be infected by the coronavirus rose dramatically in the past month, with two-thirds of the country now saying they’re at least somewhat concerned about contracting the COVID-19 illness.
Got Time on Your Hands? Check Out the Wide World of Live Web Cams
| Patty Wetli
Live web cam feeds of nature and wildlife are a great way to bust free of quarantine without leaving home. Here are 10 to check out.
Illinois Primary: Jim Oberweis Narrowly Wins 14th Congressional District
| Blair Paddock
Jim Oberweis is a veteran of many campaigns: he’s run for Senate, governor and state office. He’s currently the state senator from North Aurora, and he will take on Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood in November.
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